Uses for Clothespins
I use a clothes pin when Im making iced tea! I heat the water in the microwave in a 4 cup pyrex measuring cup. Clip the paper tags together with the clothes pin and slip the open end over the edge of the cup while the tea steeps. Makes it so much easier to...
Clearly Mark Bottles In Shower
Ora Mae, I do the same thing! 67 year old eyes just dont work as well as they used to!
Aluminum Foil to Sharpen Scissors
I have been using a fine grain sand paper for many years and my scissors are as sharp as when they were new.
Recycling or Reusing Old Cell Phones?
Stella, Donate them to Cell Phones for Soldiers. http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/donatePhone.html There are many drop off locations, usually a VFW or American Legion. The web site has a search page so you can find one in your area. Thank you for not throwing...
Angel Food Cake and Fruit Dessert
Should the 3rd ingredient: 1 carton fat free pudding be 1 carton fat free Cool Whip?
How Do I Get Tea Stains Out of a Shirt?
I have had excellent results with Soilove from: http://www.soapsgonebuy.com/Soilove_Gallon_p/afp1001g.htm This stain remover took out old grease stains from shirts that I had decided were only good for cleaning days or yard work days! I was amazed, and very...
Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFL)...
I have been using the CFL bulbs for years and have not had to replace any of them yet. And I use them everywhere; where they will remain on and in the bathroom where they only stay on for a short time! Maybe you got a bad batch.
Teach Children That Abuse Is Not A Sign Of Love
Excellent article, Copasetic! This should be on the front page of every newspaper in the country!
Reusing Spice Containers
When I cook, I use salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder in everything! So I decided about two years ago to combine them all in an empty shaker. I just kind of eyeball it; shake it all up and then taste to see if I need to make any adjustments. It is...
Can I Use a Dark Brown Purse in the Summer?
Honey, it is 2011! You can use any color purse or shoes you want...even white shoes in the winter! Sorry, redhatterb, but I think that old After Labor Day rule is so passe.
When Can I Buy Corned Beef?
They always have it right before St. Patricks Day! Oh, now Im wanting some!
Tulips Beneath Magnolia
How I envy you! Where do you live that you have tulips and magnolias in bloom already? I look out my window and all I see is snow!
Looking for Old Photos?
I just googled oxen pulling a wagon and found several that I could right click and save to my computer or print. This would be your best bet. Then you can choose the one you want. Here is one I found: http://popartmachine.com/item/pop_art/LOC+1153567/%5BMAN...
Pineapple Porkchops
This sounds so yummy. I am going to get some pork chops the next time I go to the grocery store! AND so simple! Thank you for posting.
Shopping for Ham Flavored Soup Base?
I found it at my local grocery store in the soup aisle. I love it for ham & beans! Good luck!
How Can I Keep Small Laundry Items from Getting Stuck in Dryer Fins?
Try using a mesh laundry bag for your small items. That might solve your problem.
Store Extra Paper Towels in Glove Box
Sorry, Stacy, but I agree with Deeli. Just throw a roll of paper towels in the car.
Paint Color Advice for Chairs in a Black, Brown, Beige and Tan Kitchen?
I agree with Cleveland480! I think red would be an excellent choice!
Vinyl Tablecloth as Tree Skirt
Good idea! Ive been using a vinyl tablecloth as a tree skirt for years. And now 2 of my grand-daughters are doing the same thing. So much cheaper than a regular tree skirt!
Programming a Curtis TV Remote for Use With Direct TV?
I guess Im not understanding what it is you want to do. The only time I use my TV remote is to turn the television on & off and for volume. Everything else is on the Directv remote.
Lighted Fish Bowl Snowman?
Toni, that craft is right here on Thriftyfun: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22250144.tip.html Cute idea!
Buy Gas in the Morning
I have read this several times over the past years. But recently I read an article about getting the best mpg from your car, and this myth is one that the article stated was just that: a myth!
Photo: Standing Out
Brett, I love this! I saved it to my computer and titled it Dare To Be Different. Thank you!
Correct Way to Note Payee on Money Order?
If he has to show an ID to cash it, I would make it out to Robert Smith. If hes going to deposit it into a bank account, I dont think it matters. I have deposited checks made out to Barb instead of Barbara and they cleared the bank with no problem.
Alternative to Paper Napkins?
Ive started using wash cloths for napkins. They arent fancy but work great and are easy to wash. I got 18 for $4 at WalMart and they come in a lot of different colors.
Turn Sports Bra Into a Cute Top
Call me old fashioned but I just dont think I could wear my underwear as a cute summer top!
Separating Bacon Strips Without Tearing
When I open a new package of bacon, I cut the entire package in half. The shorter strips are easier to separate and they fit in my frying pan better!
Frying Salt Pork
Boy, this brings back memories! My Mom used to dredge the salt pork in flour and then fry it. It was soo good! I havent seen salt pork in the stores in many years.
Travel Tips for Gatlinburg, TN?
My sisters, brother and I get together every April for a weekend Reunion. We rent a vacation home and have found some beautiful homes and gorgeous scenery! Here is a link to the site we use: http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/tennessee/east/gatlinburg...
Using Craigslist and Freecycle Safely
Regarding your home phone: Google your number to see if it shows up. If it does, you can click on the name and address; it should take you to a link that will let you remove your number from Google. I did this years ago. It pays to be cautious.
Making Stuffing Only from Chicken Helper Boxed Mix?
Follow the directions on the box leaving out the chicken. Its been a long time since Ive used the Helper mixes but it probably calls for just water & maybe a flavor packet (if thats in there)
Denture Cleaning Tablets for Coffee and Tea Cup Stains
I think a little dab of Comet & some elbow grease would be a lot cheaper than using denture tablets.
Removing Grease Stain - Tried Lots of Things?
Thanks to Mary Hunt from Everyday Cheapskate, I found Soilove! I had several shirts that were hung on the at home only side of my closet because of set-in stains. One treatment of Soilove and now I can wear them anywhere! I had to order it on-line because it...
Disposing of Kitchen Scraps Other Than Composting?
I dont mind sending the scraps to the dump; I just need a way of keeping them from smelling until the trash is picked up. So I came up with this solution: I will use a gallon size zip-lock bag for scraps and keep it in the freezer until trash day and will reuse...
Use Canned Tomatoes Instead of Spaghetti Sauce
I have done this for years. It tastes more like fresh tomatoes. I love tomatoes but dont like the taste of canned sauces. Thanks for posting.
Oil and Vinegar Cole Slaw?
Ive been making cole slaw the way SassyGrannie does for many years; only now Im using Splenda. Its delicious and easy to remember!
Tyson (Pitbull)
The best dog I ever had was a female pitbull. My grandkids played with her, rode on her back, pulled her tail, just about anything a small child will do. She was always gentle and loving with them. But the minute someone pulled into my driveway, I knew immediately...
Mark Times On Conditioner Bottles
I mark my shampoo bottle with a big S and the conditioner with a big C because I cant read the small print in the shower without my glasses!
Make Meatballs From Leftover Meatloaf
I always make a bigger meatloaf than I need just so I can have cold meatloaf sandwiches. That is my favorite sandwich of all!
Use Baking Soda to Remove Hairspray from Your Hair?
I have found that Dawn is great for removing hair spray. When I overdo the hair spray, I use a little Dawn first, rinse, then use my regular shampoo and conditioner. Works great.
Dating My Food in Storage
We date all our food storage at work and have found that masking tape is much easier to remove from the plastic containers. Masking tape is very cheap at the dollar stores.
Freeze Bread Bowl to Keep Dip Cold
Cheryl, what a great idea. Sometimes the obvious can totally escape our busy brains! Thank you for posting this.
Removing Set-in Grease Stains?
Thanks to Mary Hunt and her Everyday Cheapstake newsletter, I discovered Soilove. I had shirts with grease stains from cooking that I could no longer wear except around the house. They had been washed and dried numerous times. I ordered the Soilove on-line...
Thinking of Moving to Greeneville Tennessee?
Why dont you Google Greeneville, TN? You will find everything you want to know about the city.
Fused Reusable Plastic Bags
According to comments on a tutorial at: http://etsylabs.blogspot.com/2007/05/long-overdue-fusing-plastic-bag.html You should open a window or do the fusing outdoors if you have medical problems with breathing.
Paying Your Bills On Time
I love my banks bill pay option. The only bill I write a check for is the water bill. The office where I pay this bill is just a block from my house so I can drop that payment off anytime. When I receive my other bills, I log into the banks web site, enter...
Making Your Own Glass Cleaner?
This is what I use: 1 pint water ½ C rubbing alcohol 1 T ammonia 1 or 2 drops blue food coloring (optional) I like this formula because it doesnt have the strong ammonia smell but still does a great job cleaning glass.
Recycled Laundry Detergent Boxes for...
If there were bugs in the detergent box, I would think that they would have plenty of time to get out before you use up the detergent. April, your magazine holder is beautiful. Great idea.
Recycled Laundry Detergent Boxes for...
I think I would leave the handle on to make it easier to carry.
Broken Top on a Fabric Spray Container?
You can get empty spray bottles at WalMart or the dollar store.
Ring Stuck on Finger?
I also had a ring I couldnt get off. My son-in-law told ne about the dental floss method and it worked! Dont ask me how but it did.
Repairing a T-shirt?
Thank you all for your responses. To foxrun41; the tear is at the bottom of the shirt and I really dont want a logo calling attention to my butt, if you get my drift... :) I thought about using a fusible but I want one that will not be stiff after washing. Any...
Chicken Ring
This sounds like a recipe from Pampered Chef that I got many years ago. Ive made it a lot and it is really good! I use diced ham instead of chicken. Will have to try it with chicken real soon.
Freeze Paintbrush For Tomorrow
I have been freezing my paint brushes and rollers overnight for a long time. I use a plastic shopping bag. Dunnos method sounds like a lot more work!
Keep Recipes in a Three Ring Binder
I have been doing this for years and now have 5 notebooks! One of these days Im going to sit down and weed out the recipes I know I wont use.
Reusing Nestle Nesquick Containers?
Im not familiar with the container youre asking about but can it be recycled? If its plastic, look on the bottom and youre see a number. 1, 2, 4 and 7 can be taken to most recycling centers.
Scalloped Onions and Potatoes
That sounds like a lot of onions for 2 potatoes. Is this recipe printed right? No worry; I love onions. Will definitely try it!
Store Roller in Tray With Water for Painting Tomorrow
I always put my paint brushes and rollers in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer til the next day. Works great. I dont think soaking the roller in water is a good idea.
Round Up Debit Card Into Savings
I have been with Bank of America for 4 years and have used the Keep The Change program all that time. The FIRST 3 months they will match your savings 100%. After that it is a much smaller percentage but I love the idea of the change going into my savings. I...
Cleaning Solution for H2O Steam Mop?
I thought the whole idea with the h2o mop was that you didnt need cleaning solutions.
Painting Lighter Colors Over Dark Colors?
I was given an old dark brown dresser that had seen better days. All I did was sand it a little to rough up the surface, then painted it with white enamel paint from Walmart. That was 10 years ago and it still looks good! Enamel paint is washable so that is...
Sharpening A Rotary Cutter
?
I found a rotary blade sharpener at Walmart several years ago. Since most Walmart stores are doing away with their craft & sewing departments (bah!) they may not carry them any more. I would check with Joanns or another fabric store.
Sweet Pea Salad
I think pea salad is so much better when you make it with frozen peas...thawed of course. The canned peas get mushy when mixed up and the frozen peas give the salad a nice crunchy touch.
Eliminating Leftovers and Food Waste
The Reynolds Handi Vac can usually be found at Walmart or Target stores.
Substitute for Consomme?
Before you make your own consomme, roast the bones in the oven until they are a nice brown color. Then throw it all in a pot to continue making your broth. Believe me, you wont regret the extra step.
Gardening: Butterfly Garden Art
I love butterflies, This one is beautiful! I was in Lake Lure NC ( which is very close to Ashville) last April for a reunion with my siblings. Wish I had seen this butterfly while we were out shopping. Every year we rent a vacation home and get together for...
Using Goof Off on a Dryer Drum?
If you use Goo Gone, it will leave an oily residue. Make sure you clean it all off before using your dryer again.
Making a Sugar Glider Bag?
I just googled sugar glider and they had pictures. These little critters are so cute! Although I dont think my cat would agree.
Painting Furniture a New Color?
I had an old dresser given to me that was still solid but looked very used! I just sanded it a little to rough it up a bit. Then use regular white enamel paint from Walmart to paint it. Spray painted the handles with gold paint. Then I put rub-on decals on...
Windows Painted Shut?
All the suggestions offered here are good ones. Just dont do what I did: Several years ago I painted my kitchen right before Thanksgiving. Well, Thanksgiving that year was very warm and with the oven going, I really needed to open a couple windows. I tugged...
No Need for Extra Oil When Frying Ground Beef
Mary T, thats the way I do it and I dont get my hands all greasy!
Maidrites
Mary, I have to agree that this does not sound very good. Im surprised; usually Robins recipes are very good.
Mix Jams Together to Get Every Bit
I would be leery about continuing to add the preserves to the first jar. I think that you risk the possibility of germs contaminating your jam. I think I would do as Robyn suggested and use the last of the jam for pancakes.
Alternatives to Plastic Water Bottles?
I use stainless bottles that I bought at Walmart. They are easy to clean, hold about 16 oz. of water and can be recycled so they are environmentally friendly.
Keep an Eye on Automatic Debit Payments
I have been tempted to sign up for automatic bill payments but I am so pleased with the bill pay that Bank of America offers that I havent found it necessary. At the beginning of the month I log on to my banks web site and schedule payments on the days that...
Blind Date Cake
Robin, I know you are a good cook ( Ive copied many of your recipes ) But today is Dec. 29, 2008 and this recipe says it was posted on Jan. 6, 2009. Now tell me, how did you do that??
